What is the Difference Between Heirloom and Regular Navel Oranges?

I first discovered heirloom navel oranges about 2 years ago at County Market in Saline, Michigan. Since then I have seen them at several other stores from a couple different growers. I am a big fan of the heirloom naval. But you might be wondering what makes it different than the regular naval orange you are used to buying?

The word heirloom itself means something that has been passed down from generation to generation. The heirloom navel is the same fruit that got California’s citrus industry booming. It’s the original or “old line” Washington Navel. The navel has been bred over the years to produce more fruit, easier, and faster without considering flavor. Heirloom navels are grown using certain farming practices. The grower gives special attention to the soil, just like it was done since navels were introduced to America from Brazil in the 1800s. The secret is to use the best root stock. The heirlooms grow best in a sour root stock. But these isn’t commonly used anymore because the trees don’t produce fruit as heavily or as quickly than in newer root stocks. Doing things the right way is what gives the heirloom navels there amazing taste. If you have one of these, I think you will be disappointed if you ever buy the grocery market standard navel again.

Sometimes you find find heirloom navels still with their leaves intact and sometimes you won’t. Unlike the navel you are used to, heirlooms aren’t in stores year around. They typically will find them in stores from December into late April/early May with the peak being in the winter months. A couple of growers to look out for are Ripe to You and Cecelia Packing.

You will recognize Ripe to You by their black stickers with the website “ripetoyou.com” written on them. I have grown to trust that I am getting quality citrus whenever I see one of those stickers. They grow their heirlooms at Rising C Ranches in Orange Cove, California.

Cecelia Packing uses their Sky Valley label for their heirloom navels. I recently discovered them at Whole Foods Market and Trader Joe’s and was pleased with the quality and price. I also purchased one of their Cara Cara Navels at Whole Foods and wish I had bought more!

Have you had an heirloom navel? I would love to know what you think? Leave a comment below.